In what maybe considered a one-of-its-kind socio-cultural and religious event, the Nanda Devi Festival is held every year in September in the Kumaon hills, since 1650 AD, to pay obeisance to Nanda Devi, Kumaon’s patron goddess. This tradition was started by Raja Baz Bahadur of the Chand dynasty. During this six-day festival the quaint hill station of Almora transforms into a bustling jamboree of gaiety and faith. People from villages near Almora as well as locals and tourists congregate within the precincts of the famous Nanda Devi Temple complex and enjoy the various religious and cultural programmes that are rich in folk expression and community spirit. The main attraction of the festival: the Nanda Devi palanquin is taken around Almora on September 23. Local singers, musicians and dancers showcase their skills, entertaining devotees and the large number of tourists who soak in the spirit of the festival. The Choliya dance, which is often accompanied by traditional musical instruments like dhol, damoun, turri is a show stopper of sorts at the festival. There are amusement rides, as well as stalls selling delectable local food such as jholi bhaat and bhatt ke dubke, traditional clothes and Kumaoni arts and crafts to enthral you
Where: Nanda Devi Temple Complex, Almora
When: From September 18 to September 23
